In the spirit of heritage, gift-giving and supporting local vendors, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center is hosting its first “Market at the Mill” this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We wanted to offer something to local vendors,” said Heritage and Events Coordinator Claudette Lopez. “It’s also just a way to offer a market for the community.”

Lopez said she enjoyed going to smaller markets growing up and wanted to provide that kind of atmosphere for vendors and visitors to have a pleasant holiday shopping experience in a slightly more intimate environment than is found at larger markets.

The market will feature local vendors selling home-made and natural products such as pottery, jewelry, carving boards, scarves and paintings. There will also be a table of items being sold by Autrey Mill, including bug cages and aprons.

Local artist Jan Mairose will be selling watercolor paintings at the market as well as demonstrating painting notecards for market-goers.

The market will coincide with the annual Children’s Holiday Craft, a drop-off program where kids will make crafts so Mom and Dad can do some holiday shopping or run errands.

The Children’s Holiday Craft is for children ages 5 to 10 and costs $10 for member children and $12 for non-members. Parents are encouraged to pack a lunch and the craft time will last from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market is a free event and there will be hot chocolate, coffee and snacks for sale in addition to the vendor items.

Lopez said there are still a few vendor tables available. Participating vendors will be given a table to use for the day measuring about 3 ft. by 6 ft. Interested vendors can email events@autreymill.org for more information.

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